Saúl Ñíguez's fitness self-assessment after Flamengo game in Portugal

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Coluna do Fla

·9 July 2026

Saúl Ñíguez's fitness self-assessment after Flamengo game in Portugal

Victory over Lausanne (SUI) featured Saúl Ñíguez in the starting lineup for the third time this year

After an inconsistent start to the season, Saúl Ñíguez finally said he feels good physically. The player assessed his own condition this Wednesday (08), after the win over Lausanne (SUI) in a friendly at the Algarve Stadium in Portugal.

— I felt, I felt good. I know I have to improve a lot of things, especially with the ball, but physically I felt good. Now I just have to keep working to make things difficult for the coach — said the Spanish midfielder, who added:

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— Now I just have to keep working to make things difficult for the coach. The competition is increasing, and that will be best for the team — Saúl said in a pitchside interview.

What was wrong with Saúl?

At the end of the 2025 season, his playing time dropped drastically compared to when he made his debut for Mengão. That was because the midfielder discovered an Achilles tendon injury. So, the playmaker chose to undergo surgery.

His recovery, however, was lengthy. As a result, the Spaniard only returned in April this year, in the 12th round of the Brasileirão. The friendly against Lausanne was the third time this season that the player started a match.

Does Saúl think the academy players did well in the friendly?

— I’m happy, I’m happy with the academy. For us, it’s very good to keep getting into rhythm, to keep getting into shape. Getting the win is also good for building confidence — said the player, who added:

— That’s what these matches are for, they are for working, for improving many things that still need improvement. And when the league starts, to start well. That’s important — Saúl emphasized.

Were the fans also at the friendly?

— It’s really good to have so many fans here as well. It’s very good for us — said the midfielder, who played 61 minutes this Wednesday (08). The Flamengo player has one more appearance in Portugal.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

Flamengo will now return to the pitch to face Benfica (POR) this Saturday (11), in the third and final friendly of the mid-season training camp in Portugal. The ball starts rolling at 3 p.m. (Brasília time), also at the Algarve Stadium.

What is the author’s opinion of Saúl?

At first, Saúl fit Filipe Luís’s playing system like a glove. However, his minutes and performances dropped drastically. But okay, he deserves a second chance. Samuel Lino turned things around. Saúl can do it too,” said João Vítor Reis of Coluna do Fla.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.